GARFIELD caused one of the upsets of the season on Saturday, beating Morwell at Garfield by 57 points.
It was not so much the result but the commanding nature of the win that gave Garfield supporters reason to cheer after the Stars put together consecutive victories for the first time this season.
The win kept their slim finals hopes alive and made this week’s clash with archrival Drouin a crucial encounter.
Garfield started Saturday’s game as it had finished the week before, working hard into the breeze and limiting the Tigers’ scoring opportunities.
Mal McKenna was again looking dangerous at centre halfforward while veteran Neville Bow provided the focal point at full forward with two firstquarter goals to give the Stars a sixpoint lead at the first change.
An early goal by Bow increased Garfield’s lead in the second quarter and when Nick Rogers slotted home a set shot from 40 metres the Stars had increased the margin to 18 points at the main break.
Garfield’s back line, led by the reliable Ryan Munro, was well on top of opponents, keeping the Tigers to one goal in the first half. Tom Marsh in the ruck and in the midfield Jake Hower, Andy Soumilas and Ben Marsh were on top.
The Stars came out firing in the third term, piling on eight goals to Morwell’s one to go 61 points up at threequarter time.
McKenna started kicking straight, while goalsneak Beau Runnalls kicked two goals including one miraculous snap from the boundary.
Both sides looked tired in the final term as Morwell kicked three goals to Garfield’s two to see the Stars run out winners by 57 points.
Ben Marsh was Garfield’s best player on the day, dominating around the packs and laying countless tackles. Marsh has hit a purple patch in the past six weeks and he will be a key to this week’s clash with Drouin.
He had great support from Jake Hower, who continues to improve as an onballer.
Youngster Jim Bow had the ball on a string across halfforward and topped off his best game for the year with two goals. Bow’s uncle Neville, more than 20 years his senior, again showed he had what it takes at the top level, kicking four goals in a dominant display at full forward.
Tom Marsh put in a lionhearted performance in ruck, winning the points in a tough battle with Morwell giant Don Webb.
Ryan Munro was again a rock in defence, beating his man consistently. He had great support from Al Stephens, Brent MacFarlane and coach Ben Soumilas.
Scores: Garfield 14.12.96 d Morwell 5.8.38.
Goals: N. Bow 4, M.McKenna, B. Runnalls, B. Marsh, J. Bow 2, H. Lacunes, N. Rogers 1.
Best: B. Marsh, J. Hower, T. Marsh, J. Bow, N. Bow, R. Munro.
RESERVES
Garfield battled the worst conditions of the day and a strong Morwell side, going down by 58 points.
With plenty of players making themselves available, the second win of the year looked to be around the corner.
On Saturday a mix of youth and experience led the way for the Stars.
Veteran Wayne Jackson was rocksolid in defence and had great support from the Young twins, Michael and Steve.
Ryan Naylor and Scott Gibson were dangerous up forward while Jason Bentley battled hard.
Scores: Morwell 12.7.79 d Garfield 3.3.21.
Goals: J. Bentley, R. Naylor, M. Young 1.
Best: W. Jackson, M. Young, S. Young, S. Gibson, R. Naylor, J. Bentley.
UNDER 18
Luck has not been with Garfield this season and this was the case again on Saturday as the Stars went down to Morwell by 14 points.
Garfield led by three points at the final change against the fourthplaced Tigers but couldn’t hold on in the last quarter.
The Stars’ chances weren’t helped when gun ruckman Zeke Hower suffered a broken leg during a marking contest in the second quarter.
Scores: Morwell 7.3.45 d Garfield 4.7.31.
Goals: B. Rotheram, T. Carney, A. Fiffe, D. Vella 1.
Best: Terry Mildren, Xavier Naus, Anthony Price, Nathan Withers, Matt Staney.
UNDER 16
Garfield stayed winless but the performance against Morwell on Saturday showed just how much this young side has improved.
After being thrashed to the tune of 30 goals the first time the two sides met, Garfield put in a spirited performance, kicking three goals in their 88point loss.
Teamwork was the key to Garfield’s scoring, all players putting in a great contest.
Ned Marsh was Garfield’s best and Toby Proctor, Dean Fitzgerald, Michael Jennings, Tim Edwards and Jake Carney also in the thick of things.
Scores: Morwell 15.18.108 d Garfield 3.2.20.
Goals: T. Proctor 2, R. Hower 1.
Best: N. Marsh, T. Proctor, D. Fitzgerald, M. Jennings.
